Rotary buffing tool



April 13, 1965 H. F. wooD ROTARY BUFFING. TOOL Filed July 24, 1962 United States Patent M 3,177,511 RGTARY BUFFING TOOL Harold F. Wood, 67 N. Brainard Ave, La Grange, 111. Filed July 24, 1962, Ser. No. 211,995 7 Claims. (Cl. -9i) This invention relates generally to bufiing tools and more particularly to bufiing tools arranged for hand-held operation.

Rotary buffers for use around the home commonly comprise a hand-held power tool, a rubber disc adapted to be rotated about its center and a lambs wool bonnet adapted to be secured over the rubber disc. In the use of buffers of this type the rotational axis is held approximately perpendicular to the work surface; and as a result, the fibers of the wool are drawn in circular paths about the axis of rotation. Objectionable cobwebbing is frequently produced in the polished surface because of this .pircularity in the paths traversed by the buffing fibers. Wheel-type arrangements have also been devised in which the thick edge of the wheel is adapted to provide the bufiing action. While these latter arrangements situate the rotational axis parallel to the work surface, thereby drawing the buifing fibers in straight paths and eliminating the tendency to produce cobwebbing, wheel-type buffers have heretofore been conceived of as bulky, heavy appliances suitable for use in the shop or factory but not amenable to either home use or portable applications.

Therefore, an important object of the present invention is to provide a light-weight, inexpensive and portable butfing appliance of the WheeLtype.

A more general object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved wheel-type bufi ing appliance.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel bufiing member.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a detachable and disposable buffing member.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a novel holder for a band type buffing member.

These and other objects and features of the invention will become more apparent from a reading of the following descriptions.

An appliance in accord with the invention comprises a power tool including a chuck; holder means for a fiexible bufiing member, including an arbor adapted to be gripped by the chuck and finger elements endwise attached to a frame extending radially outwardly from the arbor, the finger elements extending away from the arbor parallel thereto; and a bufiing member including a pliant. tensilely strong band having an endless portion and a plurality of link portions flexibly connected to the endless portion inwardly thereof, each of the link portions being looped detachably to receive one of the finger elements whereby rotation of the finger elements drives the endless portion through the link portions, the endless portion drawing tension in the link portions upon rotation.

In order that the principle of the invention may be readily understood, a single embodiment thereof adapted to incorporate a hand-held, electric drill as the motive means, but to which the application is not to be restricted,

. is shown in the accompanying drawing wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a buffing appliance con-- structed in accordance with the invention and incorporating a hand-held, electric drill as the motive means, the appliance further incorporating a band-type buffing member shown expanded under the influence of centrifugal force in use;

' FIG. 2 is an enlarged, end elevational view taken substantially along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1, the bufiing member being shown in its relaxed state in solid outline and inits extended state in broken outline;

3,177,511 Patented Apr. 13, 1965 FIG. 3 is an enlarged view taken substantially along the line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a reduced scale, end elevational view in partial cross-section of the bufiing appliance of FIG. 1 with the power tool removed, showing lateral deformation of the builing member upon contact with a work surface in use; and

FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the free end of a finger element of the holder, showing in detail one of the retaining elements.

Referring now in detail to the drawing, specifically to -EIG. 1, a bufiing appliance indicated generally by the numeral 11 will be seen to include a portable power tool 12, a holder device or spider frame 14 and a buffing member 16. The power tool 12 comprises an electric motor, not shown, which is connected to a suitable source of electric current by means of a cable 18 and which is operated by a trigger 20. The output shaft of the electric motor is coupled to a chuck 22 in accordance with conventional practice.

The holder device 14 comprises an arbor 24 which is adapted to be received and gripped by the chuck 22 of the portable power tool 12. Crossarms 26 are mounted to one end of the arbor 24, and a finger element 28 is affixed to each of the crossarms 26 to extend away from the arbor 24 parallel thereto. With reference to FIG. 3, the arbor 24 is seen to be fashioned with a threaded end portion 3i and the crossarms 26 are seen to be mounted between two nuts 32 and 34. The finger elements 28, on the other hand, are provided with threaded and reduced diameter end portions 36 which are passed through holes 33 fashioned in the crossarms 25. The reduction in diameter of the end portions defines shoulders 40 which abut the confronting faces of the crossarms to arrest movement of the finger elements in one direction. To complete the fastening of the finger elements, nuts 42 are turned over the threaded end portions 36, and lock washers 44 are advantageously disposed between the nuts 42 and the crossarms 26.

As will be recognized, the crossarms 26 can be fashioned as a welded or stamped unit as Well as in the form of the separate parts described hereinabove. Similarly, other forms of joining the crossarms to the arbor and the finger elements to the crossarms may be employed. Furthermore, while it is to be noted that four finger elements are disclosed in the drawing, other numbers of the finger elements may also be employed. In any event, it is advantageous to position the finger elements 28 at equal radial spacings from the axis defined by the arbor 24 and at equal angular spacings from each other.

The buifing member 16 is defined by a pliant, tensilely strong band of material provided with a textured outer region which defines the butting surface. Materials which provide the desired velvety or fuzzy surface include buff leather, muslin and felt. However, a napped fabric is most desirable because it combines high tensile strength with economy and good bufiing properties. The .buffing member 16 specifically comprises an endless portion 46 which is adapted for rapid rotation whereby to form a radially resilient cylinder under the influence of centrifugal force. The buffing member 16 includes additionally a number of link portions 48 flexibly and integrally connected to the endless portion 46 inwardly thereof. The link portions 48 are spaced at equal intervals along the length of the endless portion 46 and are shaped as loops. Bufiing member 16 may be readily affixed to the holder device 14 by simply slipping the finger elements 28 into the loops or sleeves defined by the link portions 48. In one specific embodiment, the bufiing member 16 has been fashioned from a continuous length of material wherein the endless portion and the link portions are defined by by means of the portable power tool 12, thecentrifugal force developed on the endless portion 46 draws tension into the link portions 48; and in accordance with'the inf vention, as disclosed hereinabove, the loop-type linkportions and the endless portion'of the bufiing member are securely fastened together.. It hasbeen found that, this.

arrangement prevents relative slippage of the components of the bufiing member'whereby to preclude jerky movement of the'endless portion over a work surface.

For convenience in assembly and disassembly replacement), the, link portions 48yare, adapted to receive the finger elements 28 loosely; and inorder to prevent undesirable oscillationfofcthe bulfing member along the longitudinal axis of the'finger elements, the pliant band defined by the outermost edge portionsthereof; and it'will (as for i be considered as being primarily illustrative.

now become clear that, the purpose of so situating'the retaining elements is to prevent their colliding with the work surface in use of the buffing appliance.

The specific example'herein shown and described is to Various changes in structure and arrangement will, no doubt, occur to those skilled in'the art; and these changes. are to be understood as forming a part of this invention insofar as they fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. t i

The invention is claimed as' follows;

' 1. An appliance for. use in bufiing and polishing opera- 'tions and the like comprising: power tool. means including from which the bufiing member 16 is fashioned is selected to possess a width substantially equal ;to the, length of:

the finger elements whereupon retaining elements 52 are mounted on the freeends of the finger elements to hold 7 the bufiing member in place. The retaining'elements 52 may be fabricated asabbreviated'arms in accordance with the showing in the drawing, or they may be fabricated as v circular discs. In any event, the size "of the retaining elements is selected so that the loopedand sleeve-like link 7 r portions; 48 may be readily; slipped thereover. Furthera I more, it is advantageous tovdispose the retaining elements I 52 so that they reside substantially totally within acylinder defined by the outermost edge portions of said finger V a head'holdin'g the retaining element inpIace.

Having thus described one construction of the inven tion, it is important now to state how the illustrated embodiment operates. With, the holder device 14 assembled a to the power tool 12, the chuck 22 gripping the arbor'24,

One convenient mani' and with the bufiing member 16 detachably assembled to i the holderdevice, the link portions48receiving the finger elements 28, the bufiing member 16willtake the" suspended condition indicated in solidoutlineiin' FIG. 2rwhen the power tool is inoperative; Upon energization' of the electric motor of thepower tool, as by a depression of the trigger 20, the holder device 14"will be rotated and the finger elements 28 will be correspondingly driventhrough a circular path. Centrifugal force will thereupon cause a rotatable chuck; holder means for a flexible work member, including an arbor detachably gripped by said chuck, frame means extending radially outwardly from said arbor and finger elementsendwise attached to said frame means extending awayrfrom'said arbor parallel thereto in radially spaced relationship therewith; and a work member including a pliant, tensilely strong bandhaving an endless, portion provided with an integral, textured outer 'region which defines a work clement, saidendless portion beingadapted for-rapid rotation whereby to'forma radially resilient cylinder, said tensilely strong band further'hav- "ing a plurality of pliant link portions flexibly connected to' said endless portion inwardly thereof, said link portions receiving. said finger elements, said endless portion drawing tension in said link portions upon rotation of said finger elements through a circular path, said endless portionand said link portions having sufiicient flexiblity to hang limply and substantiallywithout-rigidity when at rest whereby said' band is shaped solely by centrifugal forces upon rotation; in order-to define a soft cushion capableof conforming readily toabrupt contours of the surface being worked; I a u 2. An appliance for use in buffing and polishiiig'operations and the like comprising: power tool means includ-' ing a rotatable chuck; holder means for a 'flexi'ble work member, including an arbor detachably gripped by said 'chuck, frame means extendingradially outwardly from said arbor,- fin ger elements endwise attached to said. frame means extending away from said'arbor parallel thereto in radially spaced relationship therewith, and a retaining element on the free end of each of said finger elements; and a work member including a pliant, tensilely strong band having an'endless portion provided with an integral, textured outer region which defines a work element, said 7? endless portion beingadapted for rapid rotation whereby the endless portion 46 "to expand into a generally cyliii drical shape as shownin broken outline in'FIG. 2. .The amount of centrifugal force developed is, of course, prote rial used in makingthe buifing member 16 However,

flexibly connected to said endless portion inwardly there- -of, said link portions receiving said finger-elements, said 'endless'portion drawing. tension'insaid link portions upon rotation of said 'finger .eleme'ntsthrougha circular .path,

the speed of a conventional A-inch portable electric drill v,

and the weight of commercially available napped fabrics r 'combine to develop adequate centrifugal rforce'and con- .comitant resilient'pressure in the 'endlesspo'rtion 46 to perform the conventional polishing tasksvin and about the home. The resilient pressure which is thus developed being buffed for the surface to be struck and damaged der defined by the rotating buflingmember is radially de- 7 that the; resilient pressure afi'orded by the centrifugali'force formable upon pressuring engagement with a'work surface 58 whereby to establish surface ratherthan mere line; 1 contact ,withthe'wprk. -Itwill also be seen inrFIG; 4,

makes it very diflicult to press therotating finger elements 28 into proximity with the worksurface. I As 'pointedzout the finger elements substantially totally within a circle J said endless, portion and said'flin'k portionshaving sulficient flexibility to'hang limply and substantially without rigidity when at rest :wherebysaid band islsh aped solely bycentrifugal forces upon rotation. in rorderto define a 3. An appliance foruse-inbufiing and polishing operaj tions and the likecomprising: power tool means including a rotatable chuck; holder means for a'flexible work mem- 'ber, including' a'n arbor-detachably graspedby said chuck,

*fratme means'extendingradially outwardly-from said arbor,

finger elements endwiseattached to said frame. means spaced relationshiptherewith, and atretaining element on the free end of each of'said fingerjelements, said retain- 70,

der'defined by the outermost edge portions, of said finger elements; said retaining elements extending radially ining elements residingsubstantially totallywithin a cylin- -ward1y frornlsa'id finger elementsyanda-work member inhereinabove the retaining elements52 are ;situated on cluding a pliant, -tensilely strong band having an endless portion provided with-an integral, textured outer regionwhich defines a work element, said endless portion being adapted for rapid rotation whereby to form a radially resilient cylinder, said tensilely strong band further having a plurality of pliant link portions flexibly connected to said endless portion inwardly thereof, said link portions receiving said finger elements, said endless portion drawing tension in said link portions upon rotation of said finger elements through a circular path, said endless portion and said link portions having sufiicient flexibility to hang limply and substantially without rigidity when at rest whereby said band is shaped solely by centrifugal force upon rotation in order to define a soft cushion capable of conforming readily to abrupt contours of the surface being worked.

4. A device for use in buffing and polishing operations and the like comprising a pliant, tensilely strong band having an endless portion and textured surface means integral with said endless portion and disposed exteriorly thereto to define a work element, said endless portion being adapted for rapid rotation whereby to form a radially resilient cylinder capable of deforming upon pressuring engagement with a surface to be worked, said tensilely strong band further having a plurality of pliant link portions flexibly connected to said endless portion inwardly thereof, each of said link portions being looped away from its point of connection with said endless portion to receive loosely and detachably a support member operable through a circular path for rotating said endless portion by means of said link portions, said endless portion drawing tension in said link portions upon rotation, said endless portion and said link portions having suflicient flexibility to hang limply and substantially without rigidity when at rest whereby said band is shaped solely by centrifugal force upon rotation in order to define a soft cushion capable of conforming readily to abrupt contours of the surface being worked.

5. A device according to claim 4 wherein said link portions are integrally connected to said endless portion.

6. A device according to claim 4 wherein said textured surface means is a napped surface.

7. An appliance for use in bufling and polishing operations and the like comprising holder means for a flexible work member, including a rotatable arbor adapted drivingly to be coupled to a power tool device, frame means extending radially outwardly from said arbor, elongated cantilevered finger elements endwise attached to said frame means extending away from arbor parallel thereto in radially spaced relationship therewith, and a work member including a pliant, tensilely strong band having an endless portion adapted for rapid rotation whereby to form a radially resilient cylinder, textured surface means integral with said endless portion and disposed exten'orly thereto to define a work element, and a plurality of pliant sleeve-like link portions flexibly connected to said endless portion inwardly thereof, said link portions telescopingly receiving said finger elements, said endless portion drawing tension in said link portions upon rotation of said finger elements through a circular path, said endless portion and said link portions having suflicient flexibility to hang limply and substantially without rigidity when at rest whereby said band is shaped solely by centrifugal force upon rotation in order to define a soft cushion capable of conforming readily to abrupt contours of the surface being worked.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 550,062 11/95 Webster 5l--191 880,855 3/08 Barrell. 2,035,042 3/36 Bridgman 29-121 2,469,429 5/49 Beam et al l5-230 X 2,627,705 2/53 Bruner 5l-19l 2,685,100 8/54 Schaefer 29-420 X 2,778,166 1/57 Cosmos 51-190 X CHARLES A. WILLMUTH, Primary Examiner. 

1. AN APPLIANCE FOR USE IN BUFFING AND POLISHING OPERATIONS AND THE LIKE COMPRISING: POWER TOOL MEANS INCLUDING A ROTATABLE CHUCK; HOLDER MEANS FOR A FLEXIBLE WORK MEMBER, INCLUDING AN ARBOR DETACHABLY GRIPPED BY SAID CHUCK, FRAME MEANS EXTENDING RADIALLY OUTWARDLY FROM SAID ARBOR AND FINGER ELEMENTS ENDWISE ATTACHED TO SAID FRAME MEANS EXTENDING AWAY FROM SAID ABOR PARALLEL THERETO IN RADIALLY SPACED RELATIONSHIP THEREWITH; AND A WORK MEMBER INCLUDING A PLIANT, TENSILELY STRONG BAND HAVING AN ENDLESS PORTION PROVIDED WITH AN INTEGRAL, TEXTURED OUTER REGION WHICH DEFINES A WORK ELEMENT, SAID ENDLESS PORTION BEING ADAPTED FOR RAPID ROTATION WHEREBY TO FORM A RADIALLY RESILIENT CYLINDER, SAID TENSILELY STRON BAND FURTHER HAVING A PLURALITY OF PLIANT LINK PORTION FLEXIBLE CONNECTED TO SAID ENDLESS PORTION INWARDLY THEREOF, SAID LINK PORTIONS RECEIVING SAID FINGER ELEMENTS, SAID ENDLESS PORTION DRAWING TENSION IN SAID LINK PORTIONS UPON ROTATION OF SAID FINGER ELEMENTS THROUGH A CIRCULAR PATH, SAID ENDLESS PORTION AND SAID LINK PORTIONS HAVING SUFFICIENT FLEXIBILITY TO HANG LIMPLY AND SUBSTANTIALLY WITHOUT RIGIDITY WHEN AT REST WHEREBY SAID BAND IS SHAPED SOLELY BE CENTRIFUGAL FORCES UPON ROTATION IN ORDER TO DEFINE A SOFT CUSHION CAPABLE OF CONFORMING READILY TO ABRUPT CONTOURS OF THE SURFACE BEING WORKED. 